Ezekiel 28:23

For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

For I will send {H7971} into her pestilence {H1698}, and blood {H1818} into her streets {H2351}; and the wounded {H2491} shall be judged {H5307} in the midst {H8432} of her by the sword {H2719} upon her on every side {H5439}; and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

For I will send plagues into her, and blood will flow in her streets; attacked from all sides by the sword, the wounded will fall within her. Then they will know that I am ADONAI.

I will send a plague against her and shed blood in her streets; the slain will fall within her, while the sword is against her on every side. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

For I will send pestilence into her, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall fall in the midst of her, with the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.

Ezekiel 28:23 forms part of a powerful prophetic judgment against the ancient city of Tyre and its proud ruler. This verse vividly describes the instruments of divine wrath that will be unleashed upon the city.

Context

Ezekiel chapters 26-28 contain a series of oracles specifically directed against Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state known for its immense wealth, maritime trade, and perceived invincibility. The preceding verses in chapter 28 focus on the pride and arrogance of the "prince of Tyre," who, in his self-exaltation, claimed to be a god sitting in the seat of God. This hubris, coupled with Tyre's commercial exploitation and spiritual defilement, provoked God's severe judgment. Verse 23 specifies the nature of this impending judgment: pestilence, bloodshed, and relentless warfare, illustrating the complete downfall of a city once thought impregnable.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: This verse underscores God's absolute authority over nations and His willingness to execute justice against those who defy Him. The calamities described are not random events but direct consequences of divine decree.
  • Consequences of Pride and Sin: Tyre's downfall serves as a stark warning against human pride, self-sufficiency, and commercial greed that leads to spiritual corruption. The judgment is a direct response to the city's arrogance and sin, echoing the principle that "pride goes before destruction."
  • Knowing the LORD: The recurring phrase, "and they shall know that I am the LORD," is a central theme throughout the book of Ezekiel. It signifies that the ultimate purpose of God's judgments—whether on Israel or the surrounding nations—is to reveal His true identity, power, and justice. Through these devastating events, Tyre and the surrounding nations would be forced to acknowledge the one true God, Yahweh, and His undeniable sovereignty. This phrase also appears in contexts of restoration, such as Ezekiel 36:23, demonstrating God's ultimate purpose for all humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "they shall know that I [am] the LORD" (Hebrew: yeda'u ki ani Yahweh) is a signature declaration in Ezekiel, appearing over 60 times. It emphasizes that God's actions, whether in judgment or salvation, are designed to make His character and power undeniably clear. It's not merely intellectual knowledge but a profound recognition and acknowledgment of His divine being and authority.

Practical Application

While this prophecy was historically fulfilled against ancient Tyre, its principles remain timeless. It reminds us that:

  1. God is Sovereign: No nation, city, or individual can ultimately defy God's will. His justice will prevail.
  2. Humility is Essential: Pride and self-exaltation inevitably lead to a fall. We are called to humility before God and others.
  3. God Reveals Himself: Even in difficult circumstances or judgments, God's ultimate purpose is often to reveal more of Himself—His character, power, and faithfulness. This calls us to seek Him and understand His ways, even when they are severe.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 38:22

    And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

  • Ezekiel 25:11

    And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 26:6

    And her daughters which [are] in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 25:17

    And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.

  • Ezekiel 5:12

    A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

  • Ezekiel 25:7

    Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 15:2

    And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as [are] for death, to death; and such as [are] for the sword, to the sword; and such as [are] for the famine, to the famine; and such as [are] for the captivity, to the captivity.

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